Wafering machine die means



y 7, 1966 M. w. FORTH 3,251,317

WAFERING MACHINE DIE MEANS Original Filed Jan. 2, 1962 v I l I =I I 66 38' -38 I INVENTOR- I 1 g I 1 M. w. FORTH A I I A 22 I I .22 1 i I FIG. 4

I I I I I I I I I I 26 United States Patent 3,251,317 WAFERING MACHINE DIE MEANS Murray W. Forth, Moline, IlL, assignor to Deere 8: Company, Moline, [1]., a corporation of Delaware Continuation of application Ser. No. 373,602, June 1, 1964, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 163,714, Jan. 2, 1962. This application Jan. 12, 1965,

Ser. No. 425,011 i 13 Claims. (Cl. 107-14) This application is a continuation of copending application Ser. No. 373,602, filed June 1, 1964, and now abandoned as a continuation of application Ser. No.

163,714, filed January 2, 1962, and now abandoned.

This invention relates to a wafering machine and more particularly to such type of machine as is especially pheries of the annulus to compact and extrude foragecrops successively through the die openings as extrusion products known aswafers. Although a similarity exists between wafering machines and the well-knowing pelleting machines, the similarity is only general, since pelleting machines handle pulver-ulent and similar material having a substantially uniform moisture content and most if not all of the feeding and pelleting problems have been encountered and solved. However, in a watering machine, in which the forage product is primarily of a stemrny nature, varying in moisture content from one field to another or even from one part of a windrow to another, several problems exist that are not met in the pelleting machine field. Consequently, whereas a pelleting die maybe formed of a cast or forged ring having therein a plurality of rows of die cells bored or broached, similar construction cannot be followed in a watering machine. For one reason, the die annulus of a wafering machine must be substantially larger and a one-piece structure becomes quite heavy. A multi-piece annulus as provided by the present invention makes manufacture, handling and service relatively convenient, but of greater significance is the fact that the separate parts may be easily cast and machined, consequently making it possible to obtain a high degree of accuracy in the die cells, particularly where, as here, the die block portions are integral with the side sections. A design of this character also lends itself readily to field servicing in the event of damage from foreign objects and the like.

According to the present invention, many of these problems existing in prior structures are eliminated by the provision of a die embodying a plurality of arcuate segments, each of which is prefer-ably made up in the form of a castingand all of which can be assembled in circumferential end-to-end relation to complete an annular die. It is a further object to provide on each side member of each arcuate section a plurality of spacer halves, for example, which when combined with matching halves on the opposed section will complete die blocks between which will be provided a plurality of die cells or openings. It is a further object to provide the assembly in such manner that the circumferential junctions are angularly 0th set at opposite side of the die structure so as to avoid coincidence of junctions in planes passed through and including the axis of the annulus. It is a further object to provide certain of the sections, particularly in the areas thereof including the integral spacer portions, with grooves or recesses which are adapted to receive splitter mem- 3,251,317- Patented May 17, I966 ice ber-s for dividing the die structure into a multiple-row structure.

The foregoing and other important objects and desirable features inherent in and encompassed by the invention will become apparent as a preferred embodiment thereof is disclosed in detail in the ensuing description and accompanying sheet of drawings, the several figures of which are described below.

FIG. 1 is a perspective of a typical die structure.

1 FIG. 2 is an end elevation on a reduced scale and with portions broken away, showing the relationship of such die structure to a compressor means or press wheel.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged section as seen generally along the line 33 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary elevation, as seen from the top, showing a portion of the structure of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective showing a die structure like that in FIG. 1 but modified to accept a splitter means.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged section similar to FIG. 3 but showing the die structure of FIG. 5 equipped with a typical splitter.

The die structure illustrated in its entirety in FIGS. 1 and 2 is designated generally by the numeral 10 and may be regarded as having inner and outer peripheries 12 and 14, the inner periphery and associated portions to be described below affording a circular track over which a press wheel 16 rolls as it travels in an orbit about the .axis of the annulus as by means of a crankshaft having its main axis at 18 coincident with the axis of the annulus 1 and having a crank pin 20 journalling the press wheel 16 at its center. The arrangement is such that as the press wheel 16 turns about the axis 18, its periphery rides on the periphery or track 12 of the die structure 10,- operating thereby to compact and extrude forage material through a plurality of die cells 22, which are in the form, here, of generally rectangular openings each having its length disposed radially as respects the axis of the annulus 10 and the plurality thereof being uniformly circumferentially spaced about the annulus. In the present case, the extrusion of the .wafers compacted in the die cells will be radially outwardly. It is known, however, to utilize comparable die means for the extrusion of wafers radially inwardly. Consequently, the specific geographic aspects illustrated here should be regarded as representative and not limiting.

The die structure may be considered first as being made up of complementary halves disposed symmetrically at opposite sides of a median plane A A, which in this case is normal to the axis of the annulus. On this aspect, the annulus may be considered as being made up of a pair of narrower annuli 24 and 26. The annulus 24 is in turn made up of a plurality of substantially similar members 28 which are arcuate about the annulus axis and arranged in circumferentially 'endto-end relation. The annulus 26 is symmetrically constructed of a similar plurality of arcuate members 30, likewise circumferentially arranged in end-to-end relation at the opposite side of the median plane A-A. In the present case, there are four arcuate members in each annulus 24, 26, which is by way of'illustration only. As shown in FIG. 1, the members 30 meet at a plurality of radial junctions 32. Similar junctions occur at 34 in the other set of members 28. Each arcuate member 28 includes a correspondingly arcuate side member 36 and an associated set of circumferentially spaced spacers 38, each spacer extending in an axially inward direction from the side member 36 to the median plane AA. Each arcuate member in the annulus 26 also has a side portion 40, arcuate in extent, and an' associated set of circumferentially spaced spacers 42. These extend axially inwardly from their side portions 40 to the median plane A-A and at this plane meet or respectively abut spacers 38 from the other annulus, the whole being such that the circumferential row of spacers 38 in one annulus corresponds or mates with the circumferential row of spacers 42 in the other annulus, thus establishing the circumferentially spaced generally radial die cells 22, previously described, and these have their inlet and outlet ends (in this case) openingrespectively at the inner and outer peripheries 12 and 14 of the annulus. In other words, each member 23(30) in each annulus 24(26) has a plurality of radial grooves provided respectively by the axial portions or spacers 38(49) and the intervening radial portions of the side members 36(40). Each groove by itself is less than a complete die cell (here a half-cell), but when the two annuli are assembled, the grooves or half-cells match up to establish the cells. The two annuli 24 and 26 are rigidly secured together as by a plurality of bolts 44, opposed spacers being drilled to receive the bolts as will be clear from FIG. 4.

The radial junctions between the segments or arcuate sections of the annuli are circumferentially ofiset, which will be clear from FIGS. 1 and 4. This avoids the coincidence of radial splits, and it will be further seen, of course, that each set of spacers 38 or 42 in the respective annuli will include at each end of each set a spacer 38 that has only one half the circumferential dimension of the other spacers, which is for the purpose of enabling the end spacers to meet at a radial junction, as will be evident from the meeting or junction at 34 of the two endmost spacers 38, 38 in FIG. 4. Any other form of staggered junction could be employed.

FIG. 2 shows that the spacer means 38-42 are Wedgeshaped in their radial extent, having their smaller dimension at the inner periphery 12 of the annulus so as to impart substantially uniform cross-sectional area to the die cells 22 throughout their radial lengths.

The arcuate sections 28 and 30 may be substantially identically constructed and the necessary plurality thereof assembled in the manner set forth, ultimately forming a completed die structure which will be found to be low in cost and easy to manufacture, assemble and maintain. With the sections formed in such manner as to occur at opposite sides of the median plane AA, simple machining operations may be utilized to true up the interior surfaces that ultimately combine to afford the die cells 22. The boring operations necessary to provide holes for the bolts 44 may also be easily performed, either before or when the assembly is being put together.

In addition to the foregoing, one or both of the annuli sections or units may be further modified to incorporate improvements in the functional characteristics of the die structure. For example, and as best shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the die cells are provided respectively with movable walls 46. Each of these walls is inserted into a die cell so as to lie flush against the interior wall provided by the circumferentially alined set of arcuate members 28 in the annulus 24, for example, and for this purpose the inner ends of the spacer parts 38 will be notched or recessed in any suitable manner as shown at 48. It will be understood, of course, that these notches, when the sections are assembled, are in circumferential alinement, and each plate 46 will be provided at its radially inner end with a circumferentially directed pintle 50, opposite ends of which are received in circumferentially alined notches in neighboring spacer parts 38. Thus, each plate 46 is pivotally mounted for movement back and forth across its associated die cell 22 and, since it is pivoted at its inner end, which is the inlet end of the opening, variations in the cross-sectional area of the die cell or opening may be effected at its discharge end.

For the purpose of applying forces to-the movable walls 46 to cause them to swing about their respective pivots at 50, the annulus may be equipped with a manifold ring 52 which includes a plurality of uniformly circumferentially spaced fluid cylinders 54, one for each movable wall, each carrying a piston 56 having a piston rod 58 projecting through an opening 60 in the associated arcuate section 36 for contact with the associated movable wall 46. Fluid under pressure introduced to the manifold, as via a continuous passage 62 which communicates with the interiors of the cylinders via axial passages 64, will cause the pistons to move inwardly to displace the respective walls 46. The manner in which this is accomplished forms no part of the present invention and will not be further described.

The walls 46 are of the type which may be inserted from the interior of the annulus so as to project radially outwardly and initially these are retained in place against radially inward displacement as by circumferentially directed pins 66. Ultimately, the pressure of material and the packing of material around the pintles 50 will serve to keep the walls in place, yet will permit the walls to pivot about their respective axes at 50. This, again, is broadly immaterial in the present instance.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show a further variation in which the annulus is equipped, in addition to the walls 46, with intervening or splitter walls or plates 68, each of which may be identical to a wall 46, at least to the extent that its lower end is provided with a rigid circumferentially directed pintle received in a notch 72 formed in the spacer part 42. These splitter walls or plates are retained against radially inward displacement as by circumferentially directed pins 74. These may be readily inserted from the interior of the annulus and the retainer pins 74 inserted after installation of the splitters. Since the splitter walls are capable of swinging about their respective axes as afforded by the pintles 70, they will partake of density control applied to their companion movable walls 46. Apart from this, the purpose of each splitter plate is to split its die cell 22 into two smaller cells and, considering the annulus as a whole, the single row of die cells 22 as shown in FIG. 1 now becomes a pair of rows of smaller cells. It follows, of course, that the wafers extruded will have smaller cross-sectional areas. Here again, the notches as at 72 may be formed in the manner previously ascribed to those at 48.

By way of explanation of the mounting of the manifold 52, it is shown here as being bolted to one side of the annulus 10 as by a plurality of cap screws '76. Additional fasteners, not shown, may be utilized to maintain a rigid interconnection between the annulus and the manifold. The manifold has been omitted from FIG. 4 to clarify the structure. Other means, considerably varied from those shown in connection with the manifold, movable walls 46 and splitter plates 68 may be used, since these are not per se part of the present invention but are illustrated to demonstrate the flexibility of the structure in the sense that it is adaptable to arrangements of the character disclosed. Fundamentally, the invention resides in the die structure per se and the manner in which it is designed for ready assembly and mass production.

Illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 6, but omitted from the other figures for clarity, is a filler or shear ring 78, which may be secured to the wall 24 in any suitable manner, as by screws 80. This ring fills in that portion of the die track immediately radially inwardly of the pintles 50 of the walls 46, and the press wheel 16 has its rim between this ring and the marginal part of the wall 26. The ring is preferably provided as a plurality of circumferentially end-to-end arcs for easy assembly and removal.

Features and advantages other than those enumerated will readily occur to those versed in the art, as will many modifications and alterations in the preferred embodiment illustrated and described, all of which may be achieved without departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. Die structure for a Wafering machine, comprising: a rigid ring-like means having inner and outer peripheries and made up of a pair of coaxial, generally similar annuli rigidly assembled in side-by-side relation respectively at opposite sides of a radial median plane and including a plurality of uniformly circumferentially spaced generally radial die cells separated by a like plurality of generally radial, circumferentia'lly spaced spacers and opening at opposite ends respectively to said inner and outer peripheries, each annulus being made up of a plurality of substantially similar members arcuate about the annulus axis and arranged in circumferentially endto-end relation, each member including a correspondingly arcuate radial side portion having a junction with its circumferentially adjacent neighboring side portion and further having rigidly integrated therewith a set of circumferentially spaced spacer portions extending axially inwardly to the median plane and abutting associated spacer portions on an opposed member at the other side of said median plane to provide the aforesaid spacers, and removable means rigidly but removably securing the members together.

2. The invention defined in claim 1, in which: each member is a casting in which its side portion and the associated set of spacer portions are integral with each other.

3. The invention defined in claim 2, in which: the side portion junctions in one annulus are angularly offset from those in the other annulus.

4. The invention defined in claim 1, in which: each spacer portion in one annulus has a radially opening circumferentially directed notch and said notches are aligned in a circumferential row.

5. The invention defined in claim 1, in which: each spacer portion in each annulus has a radially opening circumferentially directed notch and said notches in each annulus are circumferentially aligned to provide two circumferential rows of notches.

6. The invention defined in claim 5, in which: the notches in one row are axially spaced from the notches in the other row.

7. The invention defined in claim 1, in which: the side portion junctions in one annulus are angularly offset from those in the other annulus.

8. The invention defined in claim 1, in which: the spacer portions at circumferentially opposite ends of each member have substantially one-half the circumferential width of the other spacer portions in said members, and said half-width spaced portions mate with similar halfwidth spacer portions of eircumferentially adjacent neighboring members respectively at said side portion junctions to maintain the uniformity of size and circumferential spacing of the die cells.

9. The invention defined in claim 8, in which: the radial side portion junctions in one annulus are angularly offset relative to those in the other annulus.

10. Die structure for a wafering machine, comprising: a rigid ring-like means having inner and outer peripheries and made up of a pair of coaxial annuli rigidly assembled in side-by-side relation respectively at opposite sides of a radial plane and including a plurality of uniformly circumferentially spaced generally radial die cells separated by a like plurality of generally radial, circumferentially spaced spacers and opening at opposite ends respectively to said inner and outer peripheries, one annulus being made up of a plurality of substantially similar members arcuate about the annulus axis and arranged in circumferentially end-to-end relation, each member including a correspondingly arcuate radial side portion having a junction with its circumferentially adjacent neighboring side portion and further having rigidly integrated 6 therewith a set of circumferentially spaced spacer portions extending axially inwardly to and abutting the other annulus to provide the aforesaid spacers, and removable means rigidly but removably securing the members together.

11. The invention defined in claim 10, in which: each member is a casting in which its side portion and the associated set of spaced portions are integral with each other.

12. In a machine for watering hay and like forage crops, a Watering die structure in the form of an annulus having inner and outer peripheries and axially opposite radial sides and a plurality of generally radial, uniformly circumferentially spaced die cells opening at opposite ends respectively to said peripheries and separated by a like plurality of radial spacers, said annulus being made up of a plurality of cell-forming members arranged in circumferentially assembled form so that each member has a neighboring member next adjacently thereto, each of and bordered by similarly end-to-end extending, in-

tegral portions, at least one of which extends circumferentially as well as radially and another of which extends axially as Well as radially to provide less than a complete die cell, adjacent members complementing each other groove-to-groove to complete the cells, the axially extending portions of each member coacting with the axially extending portions of its neighboring member to provide the spacers and the circumferentially extending portions of the members coacting to provide radial side wall parts for the cells, and means rigidly securing the members together.

13. In a machine for watering hay and like forage crops, a wafering die structure in the form of an annulus having inner and outer peripheries and axially opposite radial sides and a plurality of generally radial, uniformly circumferentially spaced die cells opening at opposite ends respectively to said peripheries and separated by a like plurality of radial spacers, and means operating in rolling contact with one of said peripheries to force hay and like crops into the open ends of the cells at said periphery for extrusion through the cells and exit at the open cell ends at the other periphery, said annulus being made up of a plurality of cell-forming members arranged in circumferentially assembled form so that each member has a neighboring member next adjacently thereto, each member having such radial dimension as to extend between and to have radially opposite ends respectively at said inner and outer peripheries, each member having therein a radial groove extending from end to end thereof and bordered by similarly endto-end extending, integral portions, at least one of which extends circumferentially as well as radially and another of which extends axially as well as radially to provide less than a complete die cell, the grooves and member portions of adjacent members coacting to complete the cells, the circumferential portions providing side walls for the cells and the axial portions constituting the aforesaid spacers, and means rigidly securing the members together.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,238,981 9/1917 Barton 95 2,167,900 8/1939 Meak-in l078 3,077,634 2/1963 Kornarek et al. l821 WALTER A. SCHEEL, Primary Examiner.

JOSEPH SHEA, Assistant Examiner. 

13. IN A MACHINE FOR WAFERING HAY AND LIKE FORAGE CROPS, A WAFERING DIE STRUCTURE IN THE FORM OF AN ANNULUS HAVING INNER AND OUTER PERIPHERIES AND AXIALLY OPPOSITE RADIAL SIDES AND A PLURALITY OF GENERALLY RADIAL, UNIFORMLY CIRCUMFERENTIALLY SPACED DIE CELLS OPENING AT OPPOSITE ENDS RESPECTIVELY TO SAID PERIPHERIES AND SEPARATE BY A LIKE PLURALITY OF RADIAL SPACERS, AND MEANS OPERATING IN ROLLING CONTACT WITH ONE OF SAID PERIPHERIES TO FORCE HAY AND LIKE CROPS INTO THE OPEN ENDS OF THE CELLS AT SAID PERIPHERY FOR EXTRUSION THROUGH THE CELLS AND EXIT AT THE OPEN CELL ENDS AT THE OTHER PERIPHERY, SAID ANNULUS BEING MADE UP OF A PLURALITY OF CELL-FORMING MEMBERS ARRANGED IN CIRCUMFERENTIALLY ASSEMBLED FORM SO THAT EACH MEMBER HAS A NEIGHBORING MEMBER NEXT ADJACENTLY THERETO, EACH MEMBER HAVING SUCH RADIAL DIMENSION AS TO EXTEND BETWEEN AND TO HAVE RADIALLY OPPOSITE ENDS RESPECTIVELY AT SAID INNER AND OUTER PERIPHERIES, EACH MEMBER HAVING THEREIN A RADIAL GROOVE EXTENDING FROM END TO END THEREOF AND BORDERED BY SIMILARLY END-TO-END EXTENDING, INTEGRAL PORTIONS, AT LEAST ONE OF WHICH EXTENDS CIRCUMFERENTIALLY AS WELL AS RADIALLY AND ANOTHER OF WHICH EXTENDS AXIALLY AS WELL AS RADIALLY TO PROVIDE LESS THAN A COMPLETE DIE CELL, THE GROOVES AND MEMBER PORTIONS OF ADJACENT MEMBERS COACTING TO COMPLETE THE CELLS, THE CIRCUMFERENTIAL PORTIONS PROVIDING SIDE WALLS FOR THE CELLS AND THE AXIAL PORTIONS CONSTITUTING THE AFORESAID SPACERS, AND MEANS RIGIDLY SECURING THE MEMBERS TOGETHER. 